Not a good day

[newbenzmom]

Well, (sigh) here's what happen - about a week or so ago a small leak in the radiator started ( its a 95-C280 with 275,000) At first it seemed to be a loose hose clamp - fixed that but leak still continued-Bottom drivers side by the red cap. Anyway I went yesterday to my local mechanic to see about getting that & the condensor fixed. Gave me a price of 900.00 - Hubby said OK fix it. I go home for a few hours. I go out to the bank drive thru - Temp gauge starts to rise above normal - I try to hurry home as it continues , now the add coolant picture is lit. I get home - steam everywhere- and oil leaking out the bottom.

Tow it to the mechanic - who this morning says it looks like my head gasket but they have to put in the new radiator. ( after it was towed to the shop the top hose came apart from radiator). He feels that it would be a lot of money to replace the gasket & he wouldn't do it if it was his.
What do I do - any quick fixes if it is the gasket.